Topic: Building a mining computer (Read 3269 times)
@bitcoinger thanks for the list. What i'm going to do is buy both the saphire vapor x, but one of them will be bought by a relative, so I can get both discounts and games decreasing the value by $200. I rather keep the mobo I selected, it has more pci conections just in case i want to add more cards to it later on.
I changed my mind about using milk crates, after reading some guides, it seems pretty easy and straight forward to build plus it saves me money not having to buy a case. Also switched from saphire vapor x to xfx cards which have a better price. Also switched the msi 970 mobo to asrock 970.
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/thehulkk/saved/1wd1
CPU: AMD Sempron 145 2.8GHz Single-Core Processor ($35.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($28.87 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENUWI-1XN42 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 720W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $752.77
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/thehulkk/saved/1wd1
CPU: AMD Sempron 145 2.8GHz Single-Core Processor ($35.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($28.87 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENUWI-1XN42 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 720W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $752.77
XFX are not well received.
(And they have lower resell value.)I would recommend the following, but also note that you might not recoup your investment. You can always sell the cards to gamers for $200 each, but BTC is gonna get more and more cost prohibitive. LTC? Not sure yet.
Anyways:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1278065 Sapphire 2x 7950 Combo $640
Less with $20 rebate, and selling the game codes that come with for $30-40 each = $510
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138373 Biostar MOBO w/ 8GB RAM = $62
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103888 Sempron 145 = $38
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151107 Seasonic 750W = $80 with code SEPSU20, ends 5/1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833180074&Tpk=Encore%20ENUWI-1XN42&IsVirtualParent=1 Encore Wireless = $10
TOTAL= $830 - ($20 rebate, $90 for AMD games) = $720
I changed my mind about using milk crates, after reading some guides, it seems pretty easy and straight forward to build plus it saves me money not having to buy a case. Also switched from saphire vapor x to xfx cards which have a better price. Also switched the msi 970 mobo to asrock 970.
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/thehulkk/saved/1wd1
CPU: AMD Sempron 145 2.8GHz Single-Core Processor ($35.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($28.87 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENUWI-1XN42 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 720W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $752.77
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/thehulkk/saved/1wd1
CPU: AMD Sempron 145 2.8GHz Single-Core Processor ($35.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($28.87 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENUWI-1XN42 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 720W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $752.77
I used to download a lot of "err" files through torrents or p2p, until my ip started sending me warning letters to stop, until they cutoff my internet. So now I just try to do everything legit.
find some digitalriver windows 7 ISO links. I think I'm intermediate with Linux, Ubuntu in particular, I've been using it for about 9 years, usually I'm very good finding solutions and following directions.
I'm trying to get xubuntu working. Here is an initial guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gw7YPYgMgNNU42skibULbJJUx_suP_CpjSEdSi8_z9U/edit?pli=1#
I suggest you join ubuntuforums.com and read up. You'll also have to get that USB Wifi adapter working, and it might be a pain depending on the company/model.
Refurbished hard drives literally cost $15-20 off ebay, not sure about US pricing but in the UK they're dirt cheap. And windows can be err, you know....
I used to download a lot of "err" files through torrents or p2p, until my ip started sending me warning letters to stop, until they cutoff my internet. So now I just try to do everything legit.
I think I'm intermediate with Linux, Ubuntu in particular, I've been using it for about 9 years, usually I'm very good finding solutions and following directions.
I'm trying to get xubuntu working. Here is an initial guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gw7YPYgMgNNU42skibULbJJUx_suP_CpjSEdSi8_z9U/edit?pli=1#
I suggest you join ubuntuforums.com and read up. You'll also have to get that USB Wifi adapter working, and it might be a pain depending on the company/model.
Refurbished hard drives literally cost $15-20 off ebay, not sure about US pricing but in the UK they're dirt cheap. And windows can be err, you know....
I think I'm intermediate with Linux, Ubuntu in particular, I've been using it for about 9 years, usually I'm very good finding solutions and following directions.
I'm trying to get xubuntu working. Here is an initial guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gw7YPYgMgNNU42skibULbJJUx_suP_CpjSEdSi8_z9U/edit?pli=1#
I suggest you join ubuntuforums.com and read up. You'll also have to get that USB Wifi adapter working, and it might be a pain depending on the company/model.
I think I'm intermediate with Linux, Ubuntu in particular, I've been using it for about 9 years, usually I'm very good finding solutions and following directions.
I'm trying to get xubuntu working. Here is an initial guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gw7YPYgMgNNU42skibULbJJUx_suP_CpjSEdSi8_z9U/edit?pli=1#
I suggest you join ubuntuforums.com and read up. You'll also have to get that USB Wifi adapter working, and it might be a pain depending on the company/model.
Since I'm going to use a USB, I'm not sure which one should I use Lubuntu or Xubuntu?
Depends how confident you are with Linux. After a lot of messing, it would have been far more price efficient for my time just to buy a $15 hard drive [which I did.]
I think I'm intermediate with Linux, Ubuntu in particular, I've been using it for about 9 years, usually I'm very good finding solutions and following directions.
Since I'm going to use a USB, I'm not sure which one should I use Lubuntu or Xubuntu?
Depends how confident you are with Linux. After a lot of messing, it would have been far more price efficient for my time just to buy a $15 hard drive [which I did.]
Since I'm going to use a USB, I'm not sure which one should I use Lubuntu or Xubuntu?
I think this is the cheapest I can go so far without using used parts or going diy. Prices vary from day to day, hopefull downward. There are some parts on sale so I have take advantage of those before the sales end.
CPU: AMD Sempron 145 2.8GHz Single-Core Processor ($35.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($27.37 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($322.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($322.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENUWI-1XN42 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 720W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $914.26
CPU: AMD Sempron 145 2.8GHz Single-Core Processor ($35.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($27.37 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($322.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($322.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENUWI-1XN42 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 720W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $914.26
I did find the intel celeron g550t not the g650t google shopping. They are more expensive than amd chips
about trying to use older chip versions, I read they are a bottleneck andlower the hash rate of the cards. I haven't bought the parts yet, I'm gathering the money.
It's not an older chip. These are the new Celeron procs he is refering to. The G550 and such. I think they use the Sandy Bridge structure. But it's your choice, go with AMD Sempron or the Intel Celeron G5xx or G4xx procs. These are cheaper and use less power.
There's a sale on Newegg for cheap Crucial 4gb ram. Sale ends on the 29th. $28, I think
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148539&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
Wow, I got 8gb ram last year for $30...Should have stocked up
Thanks for the clarification, let me take advantage of that sale. I'm going to update the list with the new parts.
about trying to use older chip versions, I read they are a bottleneck andlower the hash rate of the cards. I haven't bought the parts yet, I'm gathering the money.
It's not an older chip. These are the new Celeron procs he is refering to. The G550 and such. I think they use the Sandy Bridge structure. But it's your choice, go with AMD Sempron or the Intel Celeron G5xx or G4xx procs. These are cheaper and use less power.
There's a sale on Newegg for cheap Crucial 4gb ram. Sale ends on the 29th. $28, I think
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148539&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
Wow, I got 8gb ram last year for $30...Should have stocked up
Ya that PSU is fine, and should handle 2 GPUs no problem.
Milk crates are great if you're going for absolute cost saving, and you can shove it somewhere out of mind. If you're only mining with 2 GPUs, a PC case should be just fine tho. Remember, it's still going to have to be secluded, as the fan noise can be pretty decent. Your wife won't like the constant humm.
As for Win vs Linux, it doesn't matter as far as hashrate is concerned. I've used both, and they each have their pros and cons, but they're pretty minor, and mostly dealing with remote access issues. As far as the actual mining software and drivers go, they're pretty much exactly the same.
Milk crates are great if you're going for absolute cost saving, and you can shove it somewhere out of mind. If you're only mining with 2 GPUs, a PC case should be just fine tho. Remember, it's still going to have to be secluded, as the fan noise can be pretty decent. Your wife won't like the constant humm.
As for Win vs Linux, it doesn't matter as far as hashrate is concerned. I've used both, and they each have their pros and cons, but they're pretty minor, and mostly dealing with remote access issues. As far as the actual mining software and drivers go, they're pretty much exactly the same.
I'd still recommend dropping down to 7950s. When price is such an issue they are more efficient per $ per hash. The only reason people do go 7970s is because density is a factor.
Be wary of going such a cheap case in that you will probably have to buy 2 or so 120mms fans.
Be wary of going such a cheap case in that you will probably have to buy 2 or so 120mms fans.
Thanks, you are right, I made my calculations with the 7970's I can hash up to 1400Mh/s if oc, with the whole system price of $1100 gives me 1.29Mh/s/$ spent. With the 7950's I can hash up to 1200Mh/s oc, with a price of about $930 for the whole system it gives me 1.27Mh/s/$ spent. So it's not a big difference it saves about $200 dollar, and I added a case with 3 fans.
OCed, they pull a constant 288W each...
If you can handle linux, go for the USB boot...
If not, get a cheap 32-64 SSD that is older and used... they draw 2-4W running, and 0.2-0.8W idle... unlike a HDD which is closer to 18W-80W...
Also, if you do not have the CPU and MOBO yet... get one for a pentium (T) format chip... EG... Celeron G650T (Not G650)... the (T) = "Low thermal design", thus, 7w-35W idle/operating as opposed to normal chips which are 18w-85W. (Eg, smaller fan for cooling, less power draw, more power to your GPU's)
I think I can candle Linux I already have a 16 th flash drive. about trying to use older chip versions, I read they are a bottleneck andlower the hash rate of the cards. I haven't bought the parts yet, I'm gathering the money.
For the person that told me to use a milk create, I'm not sure I'm going to have the time to figure out and build a crate for all the parts. Alsomy wife wouldn't like the sight of it
I'd still recommend dropping down to 7950s. When price is such an issue they are more efficient per $ per hash. The only reason people do go 7970s is because density is a factor.
Be wary of going such a cheap case in that you will probably have to buy 2 or so 120mms fans.
Be wary of going such a cheap case in that you will probably have to buy 2 or so 120mms fans.
Thanks, you are right, I made my calculations with the 7970's I can hash up to 1400Mh/s if oc, with the whole system price of $1100 gives me 1.29Mh/s/$ spent. With the 7950's I can hash up to 1200Mh/s oc, with a price of about $930 for the whole system it gives me 1.27Mh/s/$ spent. So it's not a big difference it saves about $200 dollar, and I added a case with 3 fans.
OCed, they pull a constant 288W each...
If you can handle linux, go for the USB boot...
If not, get a cheap 32-64 SSD that is older and used... they draw 2-4W running, and 0.2-0.8W idle... unlike a HDD which is closer to 18W-80W...
Also, if you do not have the CPU and MOBO yet... get one for a pentium (T) format chip... EG... Celeron G650T (Not G650)... the (T) = "Low thermal design", thus, 7w-35W idle/operating as opposed to normal chips which are 18w-85W. (Eg, smaller fan for cooling, less power draw, more power to your GPU's)
I wonder if the crossfire adapter comes with the graphics card.
It isn't needed... unless you are going to "play games" and try to use both cards as "one card"... Even then, it is a wasted connection, unless you have an ultra-HD resolution.
drop the HDD and get an 8gb flash drive to load up linux. Forget the athlon and get a sempron CPU for $30. You can probably find cheaper ram, without all that fancy heatsink stuff. Forget the case and use a milk crate.
You do want to save money, don't you? From the rumors around here, there's no way you can profit nowadays. I'm building for fun; I don't expect much return.
Edit: PSU is important. Get the good ones with single 12V rail.
You do want to save money, don't you? From the rumors around here, there's no way you can profit nowadays. I'm building for fun; I don't expect much return.
Edit: PSU is important. Get the good ones with single 12V rail.
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